Self-harm is when you purposely hurt yourself as a way to cope with difficult emotions. Self-harm may bring you relief from intense emotional pain, but the relief is often short-lived. If you struggle with the following, there are 7 helplines available in Canada that can offer you support:

Coming up with excuses and ways to explain self-inflicted injuries
Not looking after your physical health (e.g. not eating, not taking care of wounds or injuries)
Feeling like you need a physical release for your emotions
Looking for a way to escape the emotional pain
Feeling like your emotions are too difficult or overwhelming to deal with
Searching for ways to self-harm
Craving physical pain as a distraction from overwhelming emotions
Cutting yourself with a sharp object

Many people have thought about self-harm or are currently using self-harm as a way to cope with their feelings. It may not feel like it, but you are not alone. Lots of people find it hard to manage overwhelming negative emotions.

Talking about how you feel can be difficult,, especially if you tend to bottle things up. But talking can offer you a healthy alternative for releasing negative emotions. Helpline counselors in Canada want to listen to you and support you. They can help you find ways to feel better without hurting yourself.

If you think you might need support with self harm today, consider contacting a helpline in Canada for free, confidential help.